Cartridge based lockout mechanism for right angle surgical stapler

ABSTRACT

A surgical stapler includes a body, a shaft assembly, and an end effector configured to receive a staple cartridge. The end effector is actuatable between an open state for receiving tissue and a closed state for clamping the tissue. A closure system operatively coupled with the end effector is operable to actuate the end effector from the open state to the closed state. A firing system operatively coupled with the end effector is actuatable to fire the end effector to staple and cut the clamped tissue. A lockout member operatively coupled with the closure system and the firing system is configured to inhibit actuation of the closure system to prevent closure of the end effector when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the end effector. The lockout member is also configured to inhibit actuation of the firing system to prevent repeated firing with the same staple cartridge.

BACKGROUND

Some surgical staplers are operable to clamp down on one or more layersof patient tissue, form staples through the layers of tissue tosubstantially seal the layers of tissue together near the formedstaples, and cut through the layers of clamped tissue for formingsevered ends of operatively sealed tissue. An exemplary staplinginstrument includes a pair of cooperating elongate jaw members, whereeach jaw member is adapted to be inserted into a patient and positionedrelative to tissue that is to be stapled. One of the jaw memberssupports a staple cartridge having at least two laterally spaced rows ofstaples contained therein, and the other jaw member supports an anvilhaving staple-forming pockets configured to align with the rows ofstaples in the staple cartridge. Generally, the stapling instrumentfurther includes one or more pusher bars that are actuatable relative tothe jaw members to drive staples from the staple cartridge, throughtissue clamped between the jaw members, and against the anvil forforming, and also to drive a knife member through the clamped tissue andthereby cut the tissue simultaneously with or subsequent to thestapling. In this manner, the stapling instrument is operable to form aplurality of laterally spaced rows of deformed staples in the clampedtissue, where such rows may comprise linear rows and/or arcuate rows.The knife blade may cut the tissue along a linear or arcuate path thatextends between adjacent rows of the staples formed in the clampedtissue.

Merely exemplary surgical staplers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,605,272, entitled “Trigger Mechanism for Surgical Instruments,” issuedFeb. 25, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 5,697,543, entitled “Linear Stapler withImproved Firing Stroke,” issued Dec. 16, 1997; U.S. Pat. No. 6,988,650,entitled “Retaining Pin Lever Advancement Mechanism for a Curved CutterStapler,” issued Jan. 24, 2006; U.S. Pat. No. 7,134,587, entitled “KnifeRetraction Arm for a Curved Cutter Stapler,” issued Nov. 14, 2006; U.S.Pat. No. 7,147,139, entitled “Closure Plate Lockout for a Curved CutterStapler,” issued Dec. 12, 2006, U.S. Pat. No. 7,147,140, entitled“Cartridge Retainer for a Curved Cutter Stapler,” issued Dec. 12, 2006;U.S. Pat. No. 7,204,404, entitled “Slotted Pins Guiding Knife in aCurved Cutter Stapler,” issued Apr. 17, 2007; and U.S. Pat. No.7,207,472, entitled “Cartridge with Locking Knife for a Curved CutterStapler,” issued Apr. 24, 2007; and U.S. Pat. No. 10,045,780, entitled“Method of Applying Staples in Lower Anterior Bowel Resection,” issuedAug. 14, 2018. The disclosure of each of the above-cited U.S. patentsand U.S. patent publications is incorporated by reference herein.

While various kinds of surgical stapling instruments and associatedcomponents have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior tothe inventor(s) has made or used the invention described in the appendedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention,and, together with the general description of the invention given above,and the detailed description of the embodiments given below, serve toexplain the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 1A depicts a perspective view of an exemplary surgical staplerhaving a handle assembly, a shaft assembly, and an end effector, showinga tissue retaining pin actuation system in a retracted position and theend effector in an open state;

FIG. 1B depicts a perspective view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A,showing the tissue retaining pin actuation system in an extendedposition while the end effector remains in the open state;

FIG. 1C depicts a perspective view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A,showing the end effector in a closed state via actuation of a closuresystem, while the tissue retaining pin actuation system remains in theextended position;

FIG. 1D depicts a perspective view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A,showing the end effector in a fired state via actuation of a firingsystem to effect stapling and cutting of tissue captured by the endeffector, while the tissue retaining pin actuation system remains in theextended position;

FIG. 2 depicts a partially disassembled perspective view of the surgicalstapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 3 depicts a disassembled perspective view of actuatable componentsof the shaft assembly of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A, including aclosure bar of the closure system, a staple bar of the firing system,and a knife bar of the firing system;

FIG. 4A depicts a side elevational view of the handle assembly of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, with various components omitted forclarity, showing the tissue retaining pin actuation system in anextended position to retain tissue while the closure system and thefiring system are in unactuated states;

FIG. 4B depicts a side elevational view of the handle assembly of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, with various components omitted forclarity, showing the closure system actuated via a closure trigger toclose the end effector and thereby clamp tissue;

FIG. 4C depicts a side elevational view of the handle assembly of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, with various components omitted forclarity, showing the firing system actuated via a firing trigger to firethe end effector and thereby staple and cut tissue while the endeffector remains in the closed state;

FIG. 5 depicts a perspective view of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A,showing a staple cartridge unit of the end effector separated from adistal support structure of the end effector;

FIG. 6 depicts a distal left side perspective view of the staplecartridge unit of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 7 depicts a proximal right side perspective view of the staplecartridge unit of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8 depicts a disassembled perspective view of the staple cartridgeunit of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 9A depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing a lockout member of the endeffector in a lockout position when a staple cartridge unit is absentfrom the distal support structure;

FIG. 9B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing the lockout member in a bypassposition when an unspent staple cartridge unit is seated within thedistal support structure;

FIG. 10 depicts a side elevational view of a distal portion of the endeffector of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A following insertion of thestaple cartridge unit into the distal support structure;

FIG. 11 depicts a sectional view of the distal portion of the endeffector of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing interaction of atissue cutting washer of the staple cartridge unit with the distalsupport structure;

FIG. 12A depicts a side sectional view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing a tissue retaining pin in aretracted position while the end effector is in an open state;

FIG. 12B depicts a side sectional view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing the tissue retaining pin in anextended position to retain tissue while the end effector remains in theopen state;

FIG. 12C depicts a side sectional view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing the end effector actuated to aclosed state to clamp tissue while the tissue retaining pin remains inthe extended position;

FIG. 12D depicts a side sectional view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing the end effector further actuatedto a fired state to staple and cut tissue while remaining in the closedstate;

FIG. 13 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the handle assembly ofthe surgical stapler of FIG. 1A, with various components omitted forclarity, showing actuation of the firing system via pivoting of thefiring trigger;

FIG. 14 depicts a disassembled perspective view of the firing trigger ofthe surgical stapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a rotatable cam pin of the firingtrigger of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 16 depicts a side sectional view of a proximal end of the firingsystem of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing engagement of anouter portion of the cam pin with a proximal edge of the staple bar ofthe firing system;

FIG. 17 depicts another side sectional view of a proximal end of thefiring system of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing engagement ofan inner portion of the cam pin with a proximal edge of the knife bar ofthe firing system;

FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a distal portion of the firingsystem of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A, with various componentsomitted for clarity, showing an exemplary distal lockout mechanismoperable to inhibit actuation of the closure system and the firingsystem;

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a dual lockout lever of the distallockout mechanism of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a stop member of the distallockout mechanism of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 21 depicts an enlarged perspective view of the dual lockout leverof the distal lockout mechanism of the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A beingdriven from a first lockout position to a bypass position by a stapledriver member of an unspent staple cartridge unit loaded into the endeffector;

FIG. 22A depicts a side elevational view of a distal portion of thefiring system and the distal lockout mechanism of the surgical staplerof FIG. 1A, showing the dual lockout lever in a first lockout positionin which the dual lockout lever inhibits distal actuation of the closuresystem to prevent closure of the end effector in the absence of anunspent staple cartridge unit in the end effector;

FIG. 22B depicts a side elevational view of a distal portion of thefiring system and the distal lockout mechanism of the surgical staplerof FIG. 1A, showing the dual lockout lever pivoted to a bypass positionin which the dual lockout lever permits distal actuation of the closuresystem and the firing system for closure and firing of the end effectorwhen loaded with an unspent staple cartridge unit;

FIG. 22C depicts a side elevational view of a distal portion of thefiring system and the distal lockout mechanism of the surgical staplerof FIG. 1A, showing the firing system and the dual lockout leveractuated distally during closure of the end effector;

FIG. 22D depicts a side elevational view of a distal portion of thefiring system and the distal lockout mechanism of the surgical staplerof FIG. 1A, showing the firing system and the dual lockout leveractuated further distally during firing of the end effector;

FIG. 22E depicts an enlarged side elevational view of the end effectorof the surgical stapler of FIG. 1A, showing the dual lockout leverpivoting to a second lockout position after the end effector is fired sothat the dual lockout lever inhibits further firing of the end effectorwith the now spent staple cartridge unit;

FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of another exemplary dual lockoutlever suitable for use with the distal lockout mechanism of the surgicalstapler of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of an end effector of anotherexemplary surgical stapler having a distal lockout mechanism operable toinhibit actuation of the closure system and the firing system of thesurgical stapler;

FIG. 25 depicts a perspective view of the end effector of the surgicalstapler of FIG. 24, with various components omitted for clarity, showinga dual lockout lever and a stop member of the distal lockout mechanism;

FIG. 26 depicts a perspective view of the dual lockout lever of thedistal lockout mechanism of the surgical stapler of FIG. 24;

FIG. 27 depicts a perspective view of the stop member of the distallockout mechanism of the surgical stapler of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28A depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 24, with various components omitted forclarity, showing the end effector in an open state and with the duallockout lever in a first lockout position in which it engages the stopmember to prevent closure of the end effector in the absence of anunspent staple cartridge unit;

FIG. 28B depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 24, with various components omitted forclarity, showing an unspent staple cartridge unit loaded into the endeffector and thereby pivoting the dual lockout lever from the firstlockout position to a bypass position that permits closure and firing ofthe end effector;

FIG. 28C depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 24, with various components omitted forclarity, showing the end effector actuated to a closed state by theclosure system while the dual lockout lever remains in the bypassposition; and

FIG. 28D depicts a side elevational view of the end effector of thesurgical stapler of FIG. 24, with various components omitted forclarity, showing the dual lockout lever pivoting to a second lockoutposition after the end effector is fired so that the dual lockout leverinhibits further firing of the end effector with the now spent staplecartridge unit.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it iscontemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carriedout in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depictedin the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification illustrate several aspects of the presentinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention; it being understood, however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention shouldnot be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples,features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modescontemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptionsshould be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

For clarity of disclosure, the terms “proximal” and “distal” are definedherein relative to a surgeon, or other operator, grasping a surgicalinstrument having a distal surgical end effector. The term “proximal”refers to the position of an element arranged closer to the surgeon, andthe term “distal” refers to the position of an element arranged closerto the surgical end effector of the surgical instrument and further awayfrom the surgeon. Moreover, to the extent that spatial terms such as“top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “left,”“right” or the like are used herein with reference to the drawings, itwill be appreciated that such terms are used for exemplary descriptionpurposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In thatregard, it will be understood that surgical instruments such as thosedisclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positionsnot limited to those shown and described herein.

As used herein, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and the like inconnection with any numerical values or ranges of values are intended toencompass the exact value(s) referenced, as well as a suitabledimensional tolerance that enables the referenced feature or combinationof features to function for the intended purpose described herein.

I. Overview of Exemplary Right Angle Surgical Stapler

FIG. 1A depicts an exemplary right angle linear surgical stapler (10)that is configured to staple and cut tissue in various non-endoscopic(“open”) surgical procedures, including colorectal, thoracic, andbariatric procedures, for example. Right angle linear surgical stapler(10) (also referred to as a “right angle linear cutter”) generallyincludes a handle assembly (12), a shaft assembly (14) extendingdistally from handle assembly (12), and an end effector (16) at a distalend of shaft assembly (14). As described below, end effector (16) isprovided with a “right angle” configuration such that end effector (16)clamps, staples, and cuts tissue in a plane that extends transversely ata right angle to a longitudinal axis defined by shaft assembly (14).

As described in greater detail below, surgical stapler (10) includesseveral actuation systems for operating end effector (16) via handleassembly (12) during a surgical procedure on a patient. In particular,surgical stapler (10) includes a tissue retaining pin actuation system(20) operable to initially retain tissue within end effector (16); aclosure system (22) operable to clamp tissue with end effector (16); anda firing system (24) operable to subsequently staple and cut tissue withend effector (16).

While the teachings herein are shown and described in the context of a“linear” surgical stapler (10) configured to apply linear rows ofstaples and a linear cut line in tissue, it will be appreciated that anyone or more of the teachings herein may be applied to a surgical staplerconfigured to apply staple rows and a tissue cut line with a non-linear(e.g., curved) configuration, such as a surgical stapler of the typedisclosed in any one or more of the references incorporated by referenceherein.

A. Handle Assembly and Shaft Assembly of Surgical Stapler

As shown in FIG. 1A, handle assembly (12) includes a housing (30) thatdefines a pistol grip (32), a saddle shaped slide (34) slidably disposedon an upper portion of handle housing (30), a pivotable closure trigger(36), and a pivotable firing trigger (38). Closure trigger (36) andfiring trigger (38) are operatively coupled with end effector (16) viashaft assembly (14) such that end effector (16) is configured to closeand thereby clamp tissue in response to actuation of closure trigger(36), and subsequently staple and cut tissue (i.e., “fire”) in responseto actuation of firing trigger (38). FIG. 1A shows slide (34) andclosure trigger (36) in unactuated configurations such that end effector(16) is configured to receive tissue laterally within a gap (G) (or“aperture”) defined between a cartridge housing (162) and an anvil (210)of a replaceable staple cartridge unit (160) (or “reload”) mountedwithin end effector (16). As shown in FIG. 1B, translating slide (34)distally toward end effector (16) extends a tissue retaining pin (176)of staple cartridge unit (160) distally for capturing the tissue betweenanvil (210) and cartridge housing (162). As shown in FIG. 1C,subsequently actuating closure trigger (36) toward pistol grip (32)drives cartridge housing (162) distally toward anvil (210), therebyclamping tissue therebetween. As shown in FIG. 1D, subsequentlyactuating firing trigger (38) toward pistol grip (32) drives staplesdistally into the clamped tissue and also cuts the tissue between formedstaple lines with a knife member (194) (see FIG. 8), as described ingreater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 2, surgical stapler (10) includes a pair oflongitudinally extending side plates (40) that cooperate to define aframe structure of stapler (10) that supports tissue retaining pinactuation system (20), closure system (22), and firing system (24). Eachside plate (40) includes a proximal frame portion (42) housed withinhandle housing (30); a medial shaft portion (44) that defines arespective outer lateral side of shaft assembly (14); and a distal jawportion (46) having an upwardly extending distal hook (47). Distal jawportions (46) cooperate with the distal end of a closure bar (50),described below, to define a U-shaped distal support structure (48) ofend effector (16) that removably receives staple cartridge unit (160).As used herein, the term “U-shaped” refers to the shape presented by endeffector (16) in any of the side elevational views depicted herein.

As shown in FIG. 3, slidably disposed between and supported by sideplates (40) are elongate actuatable components of actuation systems (20,22, 24), which operatively couple handle assembly (12) with staplecartridge unit (160); including a closure bar (50), a staple bar (60),and a knife bar (70). Closure bar (50) includes a cartridge-receivingdistal portion (52) configured to receive and support staple cartridgeunit (160). Closure bar (50) and staple bar (60) are each configured asa double-sided structure having first and second lateral sides spacedapart from one another, and an inner channel extending longitudinallytherebetween. This configuration enables an arrangement of shaftassembly (14) in which knife bar (70) is nested and slidably disposedwithin the longitudinal inner channel of staple bar (60), and in whichstaple bar (60) in turn is nested and slidably disposed within thelongitudinal inner channel of closure bar (50). Moreover, staple bar(60) and knife bar (70) are longitudinally translatable independently ofclosure bar (50) through a range of longitudinal motion that enablesindependent closure and firing of end effector (16). As described ingreater detail below, closure bar (50) is operable to actuate cartridgehousing (162) longitudinally relative to anvil (210) for clamping tissuein response to actuation of closure trigger (36). Staple bar (60) isoperable to actuate a staple driver member (186) (see FIG. 8)longitudinally relative to cartridge housing (162) for stapling theclamped tissue. Knife bar (70) is operable to actuate knife member (194)(see FIG. 8) longitudinally relative to cartridge housing (162) andstaple driver member (186) for cutting the clamped tissue.

Tissue retaining pin actuation system (20) of surgical stapler (10)includes slide (34) of handle assembly (12), tissue retaining pin (176)of staple cartridge unit (160), an elongate pushrod (80) extendinglongitudinally along an upper side of shaft assembly (14), and a pushroddriver (82) slidably disposed within handle assembly (12). A distal endof pushrod (80) is configured to releasably couple with tissue retainingpin (176) upon insertion of staple cartridge unit (160) into distalsupport structure (48) of end effector (16). A proximal end of pushrod(80) is coupled with pushrod driver (82), which in turn is coupled withslide (34). Accordingly, longitudinal translation of slide (34) betweenproximal and distal positions drives longitudinal translation of tissueretaining pin (176) relative to cartridge housing (162) betweenretracted and extended positions. As shown in FIG. 1A, tissue retainingpin (176) is configured to assume a retracted position in whichretaining pin (176) is housed within cartridge housing (162) when slide(34) is in a proximal position. As shown in FIG. 1B, tissue retainingpin (176) is configured to assume an extended position in which a distalend of retaining pin (176) engages anvil (210), thereby retaining tissuepositioned within gap (G) of staple cartridge unit (160), when slide(34) is advanced to the distal position.

Closure system (22) of surgical stapler (10) includes closure trigger(36) of handle assembly (12) and closure bar (50). As shown in FIGS. 2and 4A-4C, closure trigger (36) is pivotably coupled with handle housing(30) about a pair of laterally extending posts (90). An upper arm (92)of closure trigger (36) having a vertically slotted distal portion isoperatively coupled with a proximal end of closure bar (50) by a pair ofclosure links (96). A proximal end of each closure link (96) ispivotably coupled with a laterally extending post (93) of closuretrigger upper arm (92). A distal end of each closure link (96) ispivotably coupled with the proximal end of closure bar (50) about alaterally extending post (54) of closure bar (50).

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, pivoting of closure trigger (36) toward pistolgrip (32) pivots advances closure trigger upper arm (92) distally anddownwardly, thereby driving closure bar (50) distally via closure links(96). In turn, cartridge-receiving distal portion (52) of closure bar(50) drives cartridge housing (162) distally toward anvil (210). In thismanner, end effector (16) is actuated from an open state (FIGS. 1A-1B)in which tissue is positionable within end effector (16), to a closedstate (FIG. 1C) in which the tissue is clamped between cartridge housing(162) and anvil (210). A closure return spring (98) housed within pistolgrip (32) of handle assembly (12) resiliently biases closure trigger(36) toward the unactuated state, and thus end effector (16) toward theopen state.

In the present version, closure bar (50) is further configured tocooperate with tissue retaining pin actuation system (20) toautomatically actuate retaining pin (176) distally to its extendedposition when an operator squeezes closure trigger (36). In that regard,as shown best in FIGS. 4A-4B, handle assembly (12) further includes apair of camming yokes (100) rotatably disposed along the outer sides ofclosure links (96). Each camming yoke (100) includes an angled slot(102) that slidably receives a respective proximal post (54) of closurebar (50). As closure trigger (36) is actuated toward pistol grip (32),proximal posts (54) rotatably drive camming yokes (100) distally suchthat cam lobes (104) of yokes (100) engage corresponding side posts (84)of pushrod driver (82), thereby actuating pushrod (80) and thus tissueretaining pin (176) distally. Such automatic extension of tissueretaining pin (176) during closure of end effector (16) may be useful inthe event that the operator does not manually actuate retaining pin(176) distally via slide (34) prior to actuating closure trigger (36).

Closure system (22) of the present example is further configured toreleasably lock closure trigger (36) in the actuated position to provideeffective clamping of tissue with end effector (16) without having tocontinuously squeeze closure trigger (36). As shown best in FIGS. 4A-4B,a release button (110) is pivotably disposed at a proximal end of handleassembly (12). A locking pawl (112) extends distally from an upper endof release button (110) and includes a pawl lug (114) that isresiliently biased into contact with an upper end of closure triggerupper arm (92), via a release button spring (116). Accordingly, pawl lug(114) is configured to slide along an upper surface of closure triggerupper arm (92) as closure trigger (36) is squeezed toward pistol grip(32). As shown in FIG. 4B, upon closure trigger (36) reaching a fullyactuated position, pawl lug (114) drops into a proximal upper notch (94)of closure trigger upper arm (92), thereby locking closure trigger (36)in the fully actuated position. Should the operator wish to then reopenend effector (16), for example to reposition tissue within end effector(16) or otherwise release tissue once firing is complete, the operatormay depress release button (110) to disengage pawl lug (114) fromclosure trigger (36). Via the resilient bias provided by closure returnspring (98), closure trigger (36) then returns to the unactuated stateand end effector (16) returns to the open state, shown in FIGS. 1A and4A.

Firing system (24) of surgical stapler (10) includes firing trigger (38)of handle assembly (12), staple bar (60), knife bar (70), and stapledriver member (186) and knife member (194) of staple cartridge unit(160). Features of knife bar (70) and staple driver member (186) aredescribed in greater detail below in connection with FIG. 8. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 4A, firing trigger (38) of the present example is configuredas an assembly having a lower shroud (120) that extends downwardly fromhandle housing (30) and is engageable by an operator; a pair of plateshaving arcuate upper arms (122) that extend upwardly and distally fromlower shroud (120) and are positioned with handle housing (30); arotatable cam pin (124) extending laterally between the free distalupper ends of arcuate upper arms (122); and a firing lockout projection(126) extending distally from the lower ends of arcuate upper arms (122)within handle housing (30). Cam pin (124) and other features of firingtrigger (38) are described in greater detail below in connection withFIGS. 13-17.

Firing trigger (38) is pivotably coupled with handle housing (30) via alaterally extending pivot pin (128). Additionally, firing trigger (38)is positioned distal to closure trigger (36) such that arcuate upperarms (122) of firing trigger (38) are received into the slotted distalportion of closure trigger upper arm (92) as closure trigger (36) isactuated toward pistol grip (32). As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, as theoperator squeezes closure trigger (36) fully toward pistol grip (32),distally facing ledges (95) disposed within the distal slotted portionof closure trigger upper arm (92) engage cam pin (124) of firing trigger(38) and drive cam pin (124) distally by an initial amount. This causesthe lower end of firing trigger (38) to pivot partially toward pistolgrip (32) simultaneously with closure trigger (36), as shown in FIG. 4B.

As shown in FIG. 4C, once end effector (16) has reached the fully closedstate, further actuation of firing trigger (38) toward pistol grip (32)operates to “fire” end effector (16). In particular, outer portions ofcam pin (124) engage proximal edges (62) of staple bar (60), thusdriving staple bar (60) distally relative to closure bar (50). Asdescribed in greater detail below in connection with FIGS. 12A-12D,distal edges (64) of staple bar (60) engage a proximal end of stapledriver member (186) within staple cartridge housing (162), thus drivingstaple driver member (186) distally through staple cartridge housing(162) to drive staples into tissue clamped by end effector (16).Actuation of firing trigger (38) toward its fully actuated state alsocauses a medial portion of cam pin (124), disposed between arcuate upperarms (122) of firing trigger (38), to engage a rounded proximal edge(72) of knife bar (70), thus driving knife bar (70) distally relative toclosure bar (50). As described in greater detail below in connectionwith FIGS. 12A-12D, a distal edge (74) of knife bar (70) engages aproximal end of knife member (194) within staple cartridge housing(162), thus driving knife member (194) distally through staple drivermember (186) to cut the tissue clamped by end effector (16).

Firing system (24) of the present example is suitably configured suchthat staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) translate distally together asfiring trigger (38) is actuated through a primary range of motion towardpistol grip (32); and such that knife bar (70) continues to translatedistally relative to staple bar (60) as firing trigger (38) is furtheractuated through a final range of motion toward pistol grip (32).Advantageously, such a configuration ensures that the tissue clamped byend effector (16) is fully stapled and that proper hemostasis is thusachieved along the intended tissue cut line before the tissue is cut byknife member (194).

As shown in FIG. 2, firing system (24) further includes a knife returnspring (130) housed within handle assembly (12). Knife return spring(130) is anchored at its distal end to the distal end of knife bar (70),and at its proximal end to the distal end of closure bar (50).Accordingly, knife return spring (130) is operable to resiliently biasknife bar (70) proximally relative to closure bar (50) and staple bar(60) when firing trigger (38) is released. As shown in FIGS. 3 and12A-12D, knife bar (70) includes a distal hook (76) that is captured byknife member (194) to thereby secure knife member (194) axially to knifebar (70). Accordingly, when the operator releases firing trigger (38)after completing a firing stroke, knife bar (70) and knife member (194)automatically retract proximally to safely house a distal cutting edge(200) of knife member (194) within staple cartridge housing (162).

As shown in FIG. 2, surgical stapler (10) of the present example furtherincludes a proximal firing lockout mechanism in the form of a pivotablelever (140), which is operable to inhibit actuation of firing trigger(38) until end effector (16) has been fully closed by closure trigger(36). Firing lockout lever (140) is housed within handle assembly (12)and is pivotably mounted to an outer side of the proximal frame portion(42) of the left side plate (40). Firing lockout lever (140) isresiliently biased by a spring (146) toward a position in which a lowertab (142) of proximal lockout lever (140) blocks downward movement offiring lockout projection (126) of firing trigger (38), thus inhibitingactuation of firing trigger (38) when closure trigger (36) has not beenfully actuated to close end effector (16). When closure trigger (36)reaches a fully actuated state, an upper arm (144) of firing lockoutlever (140) is driven downwardly by pawl lug (114) of release button(110), thus rotating lower tab (142) away from firing lockout projection(126) and permitting actuation of firing trigger (38). Firing lockoutlever (140) and other lockout features of surgical stapler (10) may befurther configured and operable in accordance with at least some of theteachings of U.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref END9087USNP1], entitled“Clamping Based Lockout Mechanism for Right Angle Surgical Stapler,”filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated byreference herein.

Though not shown, shaft assembly (14) of surgical stapler (10) mayinclude various additional components, such as an articulating joint, ormay include a rearrangement of various components such that shaftassembly (14) may be modular relative to handle assembly (12).

B. End Effector of Surgical Stapler

End effector (16) of surgical stapler (10) includes distal supportstructure (48) defined by distal portions of side plates (40),cartridge-receiving distal portion (52) of closure bar (50), distalportions of staple bar (60) and knife bar (70), and replaceable staplecartridge unit (160). As shown best in FIGS. 5-8, staple cartridge unit(160) of the present version includes cartridge housing (162) and anvil(210) spaced apart from one another so as to define an axial gap (G)therebetween for receiving patient tissue to be stapled and cut.Cartridge housing (162) includes a distally facing deck (164) that isconfigured to clamp tissue against anvil (210) and extends transverselyto a longitudinal axis of shaft assembly (14), along with anvil (210),thus providing end effector (16) with a “right angle” configuration.

Cartridge deck (164) includes an elongate linear knife slot (166)configured to slidably receive a knife (198) therethrough, and aplurality of staple openings (168) arranged in linear rows along eitherside of elongate linear knife slot (166) and configured to house aplurality of unformed staples (170) therein. Deck (164) of the presentexample further includes a plurality of stand-off features (172)interposed with staple openings (168) and configured to optimize gripand compression of patient tissue as the tissue is clamped between deck(164) and anvil (210). Deck (164) may be further configured inaccordance with at least some of the teachings of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 16/234,740, entitled “Surgical Stapler with SlopedStaple Deck for Varying Tissue Compression,” filed Jan. 14, 2019, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

An elongate upper body portion (174) of cartridge housing (162) slidablyhouses tissue retaining pin (176) and a couplet (180) secured to aproximal end of tissue retaining pin (176). Couplet (180) is configuredto releasably couple tissue retaining pin (176) with a distal end ofpushrod (80) of tissue retaining pin actuation system (20) when staplecartridge unit (160) is seated within distal support structure (48) ofend effector (16). An end cap member (182) secured to a proximal end ofupper body portion (174) is configured to constrain tissue retaining pin(176) and couplet (180) proximally within cartridge housing (162), whilepermitting tissue retaining pin (176) to translate between its proximalretracted position (see FIGS. 1A and 12A), and its distal extendedposition (see FIGS. 1B and 12B). Tissue retaining pin (176) includes atapered distal tip (178) that is configured to pierce tissue asretaining pin (176) is extended toward anvil (210).

A lower body portion (184) of cartridge housing (162) slidably receivesstaple driver member (186) and knife member (194) therein. As shown bestin FIG. 8, staple driver member (186) of the present version includes abase portion (188), a plurality of staple driver elements (190)projecting distally from base portion (188), and an interior channel(192) that extends axially through staple driver member (186) and isconfigured to slidably receive knife member (194). Each staple driverelement (190) is configured to be slidably received within a respectivestaple opening (168) of cartridge housing (162) and drive a respectivestaple (170) from the opening (168) in response to actuation of closuretrigger (36). While staple driver elements (190) of the present versionare securely affixed to base portion (188), it will be appreciated thatbase portion (188) and staple driver elements (190) may be providedseparately in other versions.

Knife member (194) includes a base portion (196) and a knife (198)secured to and extending distally from base portion (196) and having adistal cutting edge (200). Knife (198) is formed with a flat, plate-likeshape that enables knife (198) to perform linear cuts on patient tissue.Knife member (194) is slidably received within interior channel (192) ofstaple driver member (186) such that knife (198) is configured totranslate longitudinally through staple driver member (186) and elongatelinear knife slot (166) of cartridge housing (162) for cutting tissueclamped by end effector (16) in response to full actuation of firingtrigger (38).

As shown best in FIG. 8, anvil (210) of staple cartridge unit (160)includes a distal plate portion (212) and a coupling arm (214) extendingproximally from a lower end of distal plate portion (212). Distal plateportion (212) is configured to cooperate with cartridge deck (164) toclamp tissue to be stapled and cut. Distal plate portion (212) includesan elongate linear slot (216) and a plurality of staple-forming pockets(218) arranged in linear rows along each side of slot (216). Pockets(218) are configured to receive and deform legs of staples (170) ejectedfrom cartridge housing (162) for forming the staples (170) in tissueclamped between distal plate portion (212) and cartridge deck (164).

A guide pin (230) extends longitudinally between anvil plate portion(212) and cartridge housing (162) and is configured to guidelongitudinal translation of cartridge housing (162) between the proximalopen position (see FIGS. 1A and 12A) and the distal closed position (seeFIGS. 1C and 12C). A proximal end of guide pin (230) is constrained by aproximal tab (220) of anvil coupling arm (214), shown in FIG. 8, and adistal end of guide pin (230) is constrained within a lower opening(222) formed in anvil plate portion (212). An upper opening (224) formedin anvil plate portion (212) is configured to receive and constraintapered distal tip (178) of tissue retaining pin (176) in the extendedposition, such that tissue retaining pin (176) may cooperate with guidepin (230) to guide longitudinal translation of cartridge housing (162)relative to anvil (210). As seen in FIGS. 6-8, an inner side of guidepin (230) may include a longitudinal groove (232), which is configuredto cooperate with a similar groove (234) (see FIGS. 12A-12D) to slidablyguide knife (198) between retracted and extended positions relative tocartridge housing (162).

Staple cartridge unit (160) further includes a tissue cutting washer(240) fixed to anvil (210), and which is configured to cooperate withknife (198) to cut tissue clamped by end effector (16). As shown best inFIGS. 8 and 10-11, tissue cutting washer (240) includes an elongate,plate-like body (242) that extends along the distal side of anvil plateportion (212). Washer body (242) includes an elongate cutting element(244) that protrudes proximally through elongate slot (216) of anvilplate portion (212). Cutting element (244) functions as a cutting boardby providing knife cutting edge (200) with a flat surface against whichcutting edge (200) cuts tissue. At least cutting element (244) of tissuecutting washer (240) may comprise a polymeric material, such ashigh-density polyethylene (HDPE). In that regard, knife (198) may cutaxially into cutting element (244), along its longitudinal centerline,when cutting tissue. While cutting element (244) of the present versionprovides a generally planar cutting surface, it will be appreciated thatcutting element (244) may be alternatively configured in other versions.

Tissue cutting washer (240) further includes a rounded tip (246) at anupper end of washer body (242), and a coupling arm (248) extendingproximally from a lower end of washer body (242). Washer tip (246)captures and thereby constrains an upper end of anvil plate portion(212), and its rounded configuration promotes atraumatic interactionwith patient tissue. A press-fit pin (250) is configured to be insertedthrough openings formed in proximal coupling arms (214, 248) of anvil(210) and tissue cutting washer (240), thereby securely coupling anvil(210) and cutting washer (240) together.

Tissue cutting washer (240) further includes a pair of side flanges(252) that extend along a full length of anvil plate portion (212). Asshown in FIGS. 10 and 11, each side flange (252) extends proximally tocover a respective side edge of anvil plate portion (212), and distallyto cover at least a portion of distal hook (47) of the respective sideplate (40) defining distal support structure (48). Accordingly, andadvantageously, side flanges (252) function to cover an axial gap (254)that may form between anvil plate portion (212) and distal hooks (47),thereby preventing tissue from entering into and getting pinched withinaxial gap (254) in a manner that might otherwise result in undesirabletrauma to the tissue. As shown in FIG. 11, the outer surfaces of sideflanges (252) may be rounded to further enhance the atraumaticcharacteristics of the outer periphery of tissue cutting washer (240).Tissue cutting washer (240) may be further configured and operable inaccordance with any of the teachings of U.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref.No. END9086USNP1], entitled “Tissue Cutting Washer for Right AngleSurgical Stapler,” filed on even date herewith, the disclosure of whichis incorporated by reference herein.

C. Exemplary Loading of Staple Cartridge Unit into Distal SupportStructure of End Effector

FIGS. 9A and 9B show loading of staple cartridge unit (160) in itsunused (or “unspent”) state into distal support structure (48) of endeffector (16). As shown in FIG. 9A, and as described briefly above,distal support structure (48) is configured with a U-shaped side profilehaving a distal side defined by distal hooks (47), a proximal sidedefined by a proximal portion of distal jaw portion (46) and a distalend of cartridge-receiving distal portion (52) of closure bar (50), andan upwardly opening axial gap disposed therebetween.

Staple cartridge unit (160) is shown in FIGS. 9A-9B provided with astaple retainer (260) that is removably positioned between deck (164)and anvil plate portion (212) to retain staples (170) within stapleopenings (168), and to ensure proper axial spacing between deck (164)and anvil plate portion (212) as staple cartridge unit (160) is insertedinto distal support structure (48). Upon removal of staple retainer(260), staple cartridge unit (160) presents a U-shaped side profilesimilar to that of distal support structure (48), with a distal sidedefined by anvil plate portion (212) and tissue cutting washer (240), aproximal side defined by cartridge deck (164), and upwardly openingaxial gap (G) disposed therebetween. Staple retainer (260) may beconfigured and operable in accordance with any of the teachings of U.S.Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref. END9090USNP1], entitled “Staple Retainer forRight Angle Surgical Stapler,” filed on even date herewith, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the user first aligns proximal side rails (202)formed on lower body portion (184) of cartridge housing (162) with innerchannels (56) formed in cartridge-receiving distal portion (52) ofclosure bar (50) (see FIG. 3). As shown in FIG. 9B, the user thenpresses staple cartridge unit (160) downwardly into distal supportstructure (48) of end effector (16) such that proximal side rails (202)of cartridge housing (162) slide downwardly into inner channels (56) ofclosure bar (50), and such that distal hooks (47) of side plates (40)slide into grooves formed in the distal side of tissue cutting washerbody (242) (see FIG. 11). As staple cartridge unit (160) fully seatswithin distal support structure (48), detent protrusions (204) formed onlower body portion (184) of cartridge housing (162) are receiving withinrespective openings (58) formed in cartridge-receiving distal portion(52) of closure bar (50), thereby removably securing staple cartridgeunit (160) within distal support structure (48). Engagement of cartridgedetent protrusions (204) with openings (58) may provide the user withtactile and/or audible feedback to confirm that staple cartridge unit(160) has been fully seated within distal support structure (48).

As shown in FIG. 9A, a distal lockout lever (270) is pivotably coupledto a distal end of staple bar (60). Distal lockout lever (270) extendsdistally toward distal edges (64) of staple bar (60) and knife bar (70)and is configured to releasably engage a fixed distal pin (280) thatextends laterally through distal portions of side plates (40), closurebar (50), staple bar (60), and knife bar (70). Distal lockout lever(270) is resiliently biased toward a raised position shown in FIG. 9Aand is pivotable toward a lowered position shown in FIG. 9B in responseto engagement by a proximal end of staple driver member (186) uponinsertion of an unspent staple cartridge unit (160) into distal supportstructure (48). In the raised position, distal lockout lever (270)lockingly engages fixed distal pin (280) and thereby inhibits distalactuation of staple bar (60) and knife bar (70), and thus firing ofstaple cartridge unit (160). In the lowered position, distal lockoutlever (270) disengages fixed distal pin (280) and thus permits distalactuation of staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) for firing of staplecartridge unit (160). Distal lockout lever (270) is described in greaterdetail below in connection with FIGS. 18-22E.

D. Exemplary Actuation of Surgical Stapler

Having described various structural features of surgical stapler (10)above, including staple cartridge unit (160), exemplary actuation ofsurgical stapler (10) during a surgical procedure will now be describedbelow. After loading an unspent staple cartridge unit (160) into distalsupport structure (48) in the manner described above, end effector (16)is then suitably manipulated within a body cavity of a patient toposition patient tissue within staple cartridge gap (G), between anvilplate portion (212) and cartridge deck (164). As shown in FIGS. 12A and12B, pushrod (80) is then actuated distally via slide (34) to drivepushrod (80) distally, thereby extending tissue retaining pin (176) fromcartridge housing (162) so that its distal tip (178) pierces through anytissue overlying the upper end of cartridge deck (164) and seats withinthe upper end of anvil plate portion (212). In this manner, the patienttissue is securely retained within cartridge gap (G) before closure.

As shown in FIG. 12C, closure bar (50) is then actuated distally viaclosure trigger (36), thereby driving cartridge housing (162) distallyalong guide pin (230) and tissue retaining pin (176) to clamp tissuebetween cartridge deck (164) and anvil plate portion (212). As shown inthe present example, staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) actuate distallywith closure bar (50) and cartridge housing (162) so that staple drivermember (186) and knife member (194) are suitably positioned for firingupon full closure of end effector (16). As described above, end effector(16) is releasably maintained in the fully closed state by locking pawl(112) of release button (110) of handle assembly (12).

As shown in FIG. 12D, staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) are thenactuated distally via firing trigger (38), thereby driving staple drivermember (186) and knife bar (70) distally through cartridge housing(162). Staple driver elements (190) of staple driver member (186)advance distally through staple openings (168), thereby driving staples(170) housed therein distally through the clamped tissue and intostaple-forming pockets (218) of anvil plate portion (212), such that thestaples (170) are formed in the tissue. Knife member (194) drives knife(198) distally through elongate knife slot (166) of cartridge deck(164), through the clamped tissue, and against cutting element (244) oftissue cutting washer (240), thereby severing the clamped tissue along alinear cut line between the innermost rows of formed staples (170). Uponcutting fully through the clamped tissue, knife cutting edge (200) maypenetrate distally into cutting element (244) of tissue cutting washer(240). Optionally, in response to such penetration, tissue cuttingwasher body (242) may fracture along knife cutting edge (200), therebyproviding an audible indication (e.g., via a “snapping” sound) to thesurgeon that the firing stroke is complete and that the clamped tissuehas been fully stapled and severed.

As described above, and as shown in FIG. 12D, staple driver member (186)and knife member (194) may translate distally together through staplecartridge housing (162) as firing trigger (38) is actuated through aprimary range of motion that results in stapling of the tissue. As shownin FIG. 12D, knife member (194) may then continue translating distallyrelative to a stationary staple driver member (186) as firing trigger(38) is further actuated through a final range of motion that results incutting of the stapled tissue with knife (198). In this manner, thetissue clamped by end effector (16) is fully stapled before beingsevered.

As shown best in FIG. 7, a first lateral side of lower body portion(184) of cartridge housing (162) includes a detent arm (185) having aplurality of axially spaced recesses. Additionally, a first lateral sideof base portion (188) of staple driver member (186) includes a laterallyextending detent post (189), which is configured to detent axially alongdetent arm (206) as staple driver member (186) is driven distallythrough cartridge housing (162) when stapling clamped tissue. As shownbest in FIG. 8, a second lateral side of base portion (188) of stapledriver member (186) includes a detent arm (191) having a plurality ofaxially spaced recesses. Additionally, a second lateral side of baseportion (196) of knife member (194) includes a laterally extendingdetent post (197), which is configured to detent axially along detentarm (191) as knife member (194) is driven distally through staple drivermember (186) when cutting clamped tissue. Such detent features mayprovide the surgeon with tactile feedback when staple driver member(186) has been fully extended to staple the tissue, and subsequentlywhen knife member (194) has been fully extended to cut the stapledtissue.

Once surgical stapler (10) has been fully fired, the surgeon releasesfiring trigger (38), which enables knife bar (70) and knife member (194)to automatically retract proximally relative to closure bar (50) via theresilient bias of knife return spring (130), described above. In thepresent version, knife bar (70) is operatively coupled with staple bar(60) such that proximal retraction of knife bar (70) relative to closurebar (50) also drives proximal retraction of staple bar (60) relative toclosure bar (50); for example, via engagement of a lower tab (78) formedon a distal portion of knife bar (70) with a lower slot (66) formed inthe underside of a distal portion of staple bar (60). Meanwhile,stapling detent features (185, 189) described above operate to maintainstaple driver member (186) in its fully extended position withincartridge housing (162), such that distal lockout lever (270) disengagesstaple driver member (186). This allows distal lockout lever (270) toreturn to a raised lockout position and block re-actuation of firingtrigger (38) now that staple cartridge unit (160) is spent. In thismanner, distal lockout lever (270) prevents a surgeon from inadvertentlyre-firing spent staple cartridge unit (160) into tissue in a manner thatwould sever the tissue with knife (198) without applying staples.

Following release of firing trigger (38), the surgeon then depressesrelease button (110) on handle assembly (12) to permit closure trigger(36) and closure bar (50) to return to their unactuated states via theresilient bias of closure return spring (98), described above. Suchproximal retraction of closure bar (50) draws cartridge housing (162)proximally away from anvil (210) so that the stapled and cut tissue maybe released from end effector (16). Proximal retraction of closure bar(50) also draws staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) further proximally totheir proximal home positions so that spent staple cartridge unit (160)may be removed from distal support structure (48) and replaced with anew staple cartridge unit (160).

E. Additional Features of Firing System

FIGS. 13-17 show additional features of firing trigger (38) and itsengagement with staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) during a firingstroke for firing end effector (16). As shown in FIGS. 13-14 and asdescribed briefly above, firing trigger (38) is configured as anassembly that includes trigger shroud (120); a pair of trigger sideplates (121) nested within trigger shroud (120) and each having anarcuate upper arm (122); cam pin (124) spanning laterally between androtatably supported by the distal ends of arcuate upper arms (122);firing lockout element (126) disposed on the lateral side of the lefttrigger side plate (121); and trigger pivot pin (128), which extendslaterally through trigger shroud (120), trigger side plates (121), andfiring lockout element (126), to pivotably couple firing trigger (38)with handle assembly body (30).

As shown best in FIG. 15, rotatable cam pin (124) of firing trigger (38)includes features that define a plurality of stepped diameters spacedlaterally along a central rotational axis of cam pin (124). Thesefeatures of cam pin (124) include a circular central body (132); acircular recessed shoulder (134) disposed on each lateral side ofcentral body (132); an annular groove (136) disposed at the laterallyoutward side of each recessed shoulder (134); and an endcap (138)disposed at the laterally outward side of each annular groove (136). Asdescribed below, these features enable cam pin (124) to engage theproximal ends of staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) simultaneously inresponse to squeezing of firing trigger (38) toward pistol grip (32) forfiring end effector (16).

As shown in FIG. 16, circular central body (132) of cam pin (124) isconfigured to engage rounded proximal edge (72) of knife bar (70) inresponse to squeezing of firing trigger (38). Simultaneously, eachannular groove (136) of cam pin (124) is configured to engage arespective proximal edge (62) of staple bar (60) in response tosqueezing of firing trigger (38). Accordingly, squeezing of firingtrigger (38) toward pistol grip (32) to perform a firing stroke causescam pin (124) to drive staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) distally,thereby firing end effector (16) in the manner described above. Becausecam pin (124) is rotatably mounted to trigger side plates (121), cam pin(124) is configured to roll along proximal edges (62) of staple bar (60)and knife bar (70) as firing trigger (38) is squeezed. Advantageously,such rolling minimizes frictional forces between cam pin (124) andproximal edges (62), and thus minimizes an input force that an operatormust exert on firing trigger (38) to fully actuate bars (60, 70)distally to fire end effector (16) (also referred to as “force tofire”).

Forces exerted by cam pin (124) on staple bar (60) and knife bar (70)during a firing stroke may result in the proximal portions of bars (60,70) experiencing a downward bending moment about their proximal-mostsupport point within shaft assembly (14). As seen best in FIG. 13, asupport pin (150) is positioned beneath the proximal ends of staple bar(60) and knife bar (70). Support pin (150) is configured to support bars(60, 70) at their undersides to counteract such a bending moment andprevent downward deflection of bars (60, 70) during firing. In thepresent example, support pin (150) spans laterally between proximalframe portions (42) of stapler side plates (40) and is fixed in alongitudinal direction of stapler side plates (40), and in some versionssupport pin (150) may be rotatable relative to side plates (40).

F. Distal Lockout Mechanism of Surgical Stapler

As shown in FIG. 18, surgical stapler includes a distal lockoutmechanism that includes a dual lockout member in the form of lockoutlever (270), and a stop member in the form of fixed pin (280). Asdescribed briefly above and in greater detail below, distal lockoutlever (270) and fixed pin (280) are configured to cooperate to inhibitclosure of end effector (16) when an unspent staple cartridge (160) isabsent from end effector (16), and to inhibit firing of end effector(16) more than once with the same staple cartridge unit (160).

As shown in FIGS. 18-20, distal lockout lever (270) of the presentexample is configured as a dual-sided structure having first and secondlateral sides (272) that are spaced apart from one another and parallelto one another, and a lower bridge (273) that interconnects proximalportions of sides (272) along their lower edges. A proximal end oflockout lever (270) includes a pair of openings (274) configured toreceive a pivot pin (279) therethrough, and a distal end of lockoutlever (270) includes a pair of distally extending tabs (275). Along itsmedial portion, lockout lever (270) further includes a proximal pair oflockout teeth (276) extending upwardly from lever sides (272), and adistal pair of lockout teeth (278) extending upwardly from lever sides(272) and spaced distally from proximal lockout teeth (276). Asdescribed below, lockout teeth (276, 278) are configured to engage aproximally facing flat face (282) of fixed pin (280) to establishlockout positions that prevent closure and firing of end effector (16)in the absence of an unspent staple cartridge unit (160).

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 3, lever pivot pin (279) extends laterallythrough proximal openings (274) of distal lockout lever (270), acorresponding pair of openings (67) formed in a distal portion of staplebar (60) (see FIG. 3), and a corresponding slot (77) formed in a distalportion of knife bar (70) (see FIG. 3). Accordingly, distal lockoutlever (270) is longitudinally fixed yet rotatable relative to staple bar(60), while slot (77) permits knife bar (70) to translate longitudinallyrelative to staple bar (60) and distal lockout lever (270) to actuateknife member (194) of staple cartridge unit (160) independently ofstaple driver member (186), in the manner described above. As also shownin FIGS. 18 and 3, fixed pin (280) extends laterally through an elongateslot (79) formed in the distal portion of knife bar (70), and acorresponding pair of elongate slots (69) formed in the distal portionof staple bar (60). As described above, the opposed lateral ends offixed pin (280) are fixed within distal jaw portions (46) of staplerside plates (40). Accordingly, elongate slots (69, 79) enable staple bar(60) and knife bar (70) to translate longitudinally, with distal lockoutlever (270), relative to fixed pin (280) to effect closure and firing ofend effector (16) loaded with an unspent staple cartridge unit (160).

As shown in FIGS. 21-22E, distal lockout lever (270) is configured topivot relative to staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) between a generallyhorizontal, raised position in which proximal lockout teeth (276) ordistal lockout teeth (278) are configured to engage fixed pin (280), anda lowered position in which lockout teeth (276, 278) are configured tobypass fixed pin (280). Distal lockout lever (270) may be biased towardthe raised position by any suitable biasing element, such as a resilientmember (not shown).

FIG. 22A shows distal lockout lever (270) in a first raised lockoutposition that distal lockout lever (270) is configured to assume andmaintain when end effector (16) is in an open state (i.e., when closuresystem (22) and firing system (24) are unactuated), and when an unspentstaple cartridge unit (160) is absent from end effector (16); forexample, when a staple cartridge unit (160) is entirely absent from endeffector (16), or when end effector (16) is loaded with a spent staplecartridge unit (160). In this first raised lockout position, distallockout teeth (278) are positioned to engage flat face (282) of fixedpin (280), thereby inhibiting distal actuation of firing system (24).Because firing system (24) is operatively coupled with closure system(22) in the manner described above, this locking of firing system (24)in its unactuated state also inhibits actuation of closure system (22),such that end effector (16) is locked in an open state.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22B, loading of an unspent staple cartridgeunit (160) into end effector (16) is configured to pivot distal lockoutlever (270) into its lowered bypass position. Specifically, stapledriver member (186) of an unspent staple cartridge unit (160) ispositioned proximally within cartridge housing (162) such that proximalbase portion (188) of staple driver member (186) is configured to drivedistally extending tabs (275) of distal lockout lever (270) downwardlyas unspent staple cartridge unit (160) is seated into distal supportstructure (48) of end effector (16). This engagement forces distallockout lever (270) to pivot downwardly from its first raised lockoutposition (FIG. 22A) to a lowered bypass position (FIG. 22B).

As shown in FIG. 22C, with distal lockout lever (270) in the loweredbypass position, staple bar (60) and knife bar (70) of firing system(24) are permitted to actuate distally with closure bar (50) in responseto squeezing of closure trigger (36) by the operator. In this manner, asshown in FIGS. 1B-1C described above, end effector (16) is closed toclamp tissue between anvil (210) and cartridge deck (164) of unspentstaple cartridge unit (160). As shown in FIG. 22D, with distal lockoutlever (270) remaining in the lowered bypass position, staple bar (60)and knife bar (70) are driven further distally relative to closure bar(50) through a firing stroke in response to squeezing of firing trigger(38), thus firing end effector (16) with unspent staple cartridge unit(160) to staple and cut the clamped tissue.

FIG. 22E shows end effector (16) after completion of the firing strokeon staple cartridge unit (160), such that staple cartridge unit (160) isnow spent. As described above in connection with FIG. 7, stapling detentfeatures (185, 189) maintain staple driver member (186) in a distalposition within cartridge housing (162) after staple cartridge unit(160) is fired. Accordingly, as staple bar (60) and knife bar (70)retract proximally in response to the operator releasing firing trigger(38), distally extending tabs (275) of distal lockout lever (270)disengage proximal base portion (188) of staple driver member (186).Consequently, via bias imparted by a biasing member, distal lockoutlever (270) automatically pivots upwardly to assume a second raisedlockout position, as shown in FIG. 22E. In the second raised lockoutposition, proximal lockout teeth (276) are positioned to engage proximalflat face (282) of fixed pin (280) and thereby prevent further actuationof firing system (24) while end effector (16) remains clamped with thenow-spent staple cartridge unit (160). In this manner, distal lockoutlever (270) inhibits actuation of firing system (24) more than once withthe same staple cartridge unit (160) while the end effector (16) remainsclamped. Advantageously, this protects against inadvertent re-actuationof knife (198) in a manner that could cut through and compromise theestablished staple line after the staples (170) are formed in theclamped tissue. This functionality of distal lockout lever (270) thusreminds the operator that the spent staple cartridge unit (160) must bereplaced with another fresh, unspent staple cartridge unit (160) inorder to perform another firing into tissue.

As described above, after firing end effector (16) and releasing firingtrigger (38), the operator may depress release button (see FIGS. 1A-1Dand 4A-4C) to return closure system (22) to the unactuated state andreopen end effector (16) to release the staple and cut tissue. As staplebar (60) and knife bar (70) retract proximally, distal lockout lever(270) ratchets proximally along the underside of fixed pin (280), thusreturning distal lockout lever (270) to the first raised lockoutposition shown in FIG. 22A. Consequently, the operator is then preventedfrom re-closing end effector (16) while the spent staple cartridge unit(160) remains loaded. Accordingly, and advantageously, distal lockoutlever (270) is operable as a dual-lockout member in that it isconfigured to inhibit actuation of both the closure system (22) andfiring system (24) in the absence of an unspent staple cartridge unit(160). Moreover, distal lockout lever (270) is configured to cooperatewith proximal firing lockout lever (140) described above to ensure safeuse of surgical stapler (10).

G. Exemplary Alternative Distal Lockout Lever Having Downwardly SlopingDistal Tabs

FIG. 23 shows an exemplary alternative distal lockout lever (290)suitable for use with surgical stapler (10) in place of distal lockoutlever (270) described above. Distal lockout lever (290) is similar todistal lockout lever (270) in that distal lockout lever (290) isconfigured as a dual-sided structure having first and second lateralsides (292) that are spaced apart from one another and parallel to oneanother. Furthermore, a distal lockout lever (290) includes a pair ofopenings (294) configured to receive a pivot pin (not shown)therethrough, and a distal end of lockout lever (290) includes a pair ofdistally extending tabs (295). Unlike distally extending tabs (275) ofdistal lockout lever (270), which slope upwardly, distal extending tabs(295) slope downwardly. Accordingly, distal lockout lever (290) may besuitable for use with other types of staple cartridge units of which aproximal end of the staple driver member is shaped differently thanproximal base portion (188) of staple driver member (186) describedabove.

Similar to distal lockout lever (270), distal lockout lever (290)further includes a proximal pair of lockout teeth (296) extendingupwardly from lever sides (292), and a distal pair of lockout teeth(298) extending upwardly from lever sides (292). Lockout teeth (296,298) of distal lockout lever (290) are configured to cooperate withfixed distal pin (280) in a manner similar to lockout teeth (276, 278)of distal lockout lever (270) described above. Similar to lockout lever(270), lockout lever (290) is pivotable between a raised lockoutposition and a lowered bypass position. Lockout lever (290) is shownwith a resilient member in the form of a leaf spring (299), whichoperates to resiliently bias lockout lever (290) toward a raised lockoutposition.

II. Exemplary Alternative Distal Lockout Mechanism

In some instances, it may be desirable to alternatively configure thedistal lockout mechanism of surgical stapler end effector (16) such thatlockout member (270) is mounted to closure bar (50) rather than tostaple bar (60). FIGS. 24-28D illustrate a right-angle linear surgicalstapler (310) having an exemplary alternative distal lockout mechanismwith such a configuration. Surgical stapler (310) is otherwise similarto surgical stapler (10) except as otherwise described below. Asdescribed in greater detail, the distal lockout mechanism includes amovable lockout member (380) and a fixed stop member (390) that areoperable in a manner similar to movable lockout member (270) and stopmember (280) of surgical stapler (10) described above. In particular,lockout member (380) and stop member (390) are configured to cooperateto inhibit closure of end effector (316) when an unspent staplecartridge unit (460) is absent from end effector (316), and to inhibitfiring of end effector (316) more than once with the same staplecartridge unit (460). Surgical stapler (310) is similar to surgicalstapler (10) described above except as otherwise described below.

As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, surgical stapler (310) includes a shaftassembly (314) that extends distally from a handle assembly (not shown),and an end effector (316) at a distal end of shaft assembly (314).Surgical stapler (310) further includes a pair of longitudinallyextending side plates (340) each having a distal jaw portion (346), andan inner jaw member (347) positioned laterally between distal jawportions (346). A closure system of surgical stapler (310) includes anelongate closure bar (350) slidably disposed between stapler side plates(340). A firing system of surgical stapler (310) includes an elongateactuatable staple bar (360) slidably nested within closure bar (350),and an elongate actuatable knife bar (370) slidably nested within staplebar (360). A cartridge-receiving distal portion (352) of closure bar(350) cooperates with distal jaw portions (346) of stapler side plates(340) and inner jaw member (347) to define a U-shaped distal supportstructure (348) of end effector (316). As shown in FIG. 24, distalsupport structure (348) is configured to receive a staple cartridge unit(460) therein, which may be similar to staple cartridge unit (160)described above.

As shown in FIGS. 25-27, the distal lockout mechanism of surgicalstapler (310) includes a movable lockout member in the form of lockoutlever (380) pivotably mounted to cartridge-receiving distal portion(352) of closure bar (350), and a fixed stop member in the form ofproximally-facing lug (390) affixed to a proximal end of inner jawmember (347). As shown in FIG. 26, distal lockout lever (380) includes afirst lockout feature in the form of a proximal hook (382) at a proximalend of lockout lever (380), and a second lockout feature in the form ofa distal hook (384) at a distal end of lockout lever (380). A tab (386)projects distally from distal hook (384) and is configured to be engagedby the proximal end of a staple driver member (486) of staple cartridgeunit (460) to pivot lockout lever (380) between a lockout position (see,e.g., FIGS. 28A and 28D) and a bypass position (see, e.g., FIGS. 28B and28C). Lockout lever (380) further includes a pair of pivot posts (388)that extend laterally outward from opposed lateral sides of lockoutlever (380) at a mid-point of lockout lever (380) between proximal hook(382) and distal hook (384). Pivot posts (388) are rotatably receivedwithin corresponding openings formed in opposed lateral sides ofcartridge-receiving distal portion (352) of closure bar (350), thuspivotably mounting lockout lever (380) to closure bar (350) about alateral pivot axis.

As shown in FIGS. 28A-28D, lockout lever (380) is configured to pivotabout pivot posts (388) between an angled position in which lockoutlever (380) is configured to inhibit actuation of the closure systemand/or the firing system of surgical stapler (310); and a generallyhorizontal bypass position in which lockout lever (380) is configured topermit actuation of the closure and firing systems of stapler (310) topermit closure and firing of end effector (316) loaded with an unspentstaple cartridge unit (460). Lockout lever (380) of the present exampleis biased toward the angled position by a biasing member of any suitabletype, such as a resilient member similar to leaf spring (299) describedabove.

FIGS. 25 and 28A show distal lockout lever (380) in a first angledlockout position that distal lockout lever (380) is configured to assumeand maintain when end effector (316) is in an open state (i.e., when theclosure system and firing system are unactuated), and when an unspentstaple cartridge unit (460) is absent from end effector (316); forexample, when a staple cartridge unit (460) is entirely absent from endeffector (316), or when end effector (316) is loaded with a spent staplecartridge unit (460). In this first angled lockout position, distal hook(384) captures the distal ends of staple bar (360) and knife bar, whileproximal hook (382) captures a proximal end of lug (390). As seen inFIG. 27, the proximal end of lug (390) includes a groove (392) that isconfigured to receive proximal hook (382) of distal lockout lever (380)in the first angled lockout position. This simultaneous engagement ofdistal lockout lever (380) with lug (390) and staple bar (360) in theabsence of an unspent staple cartridge unit (460) in end effector (316)inhibits distal actuation of both the closure system and the firingsystem of surgical stapler (310), thus preventing closure of endeffector (316). Specifically, proximal hook (382) grounds closure bar(350) longitudinally to stapler side plates (340) and inner jaw member(347), and distal hook (384) grounds staple bar (360) and knife bar(370) longitudinally to closure bar (350).

As shown in FIG. 28B, loading of an unspent staple cartridge unit (460)into end effector (316) causes distal lockout lever (380) to pivot fromthe first lockout position to a horizontal bypass position.Specifically, a proximal end of staple driver member (486) of unspentstaple cartridge unit (460) engages and drives distal tab (386) oflockout lever (380) downwardly. This forces lockout lever (380) to pivotto a horizontal position such that proximal hook (382) disengages lug(390) and distal hook (384) disengages staple bar (360).

As shown in FIG. 28C with distal lockout lever (380) now in thehorizontal bypass position, closure bar (350), staple bar (360), andknife bar (370) are free to actuate distally relative to stapler sideplates (340) to close end effector (316) and thereby clamp tissue. Asshown, distal lockout lever (380) translates with closure bar (350) suchthat proximal hook (382) translates distally beyond the proximal face oflug (390). Additionally, once end effector (316) is fully closed, staplebar (360) and knife bar (370) are free to actuate further distallyrelative to closure bar (350) through a firing stroke to fire endeffector (316) with unspent staple cartridge unit (460), therebystapling and cutting the clamped tissue.

FIG. 28D shows end effector (316) after completion of a firing stroke onstaple cartridge unit (460), such that staple cartridge unit (460) isnow spent. Similar to staple driver member (186) of staple cartridgeunit (160), staple driver member (486) of cartridge unit (460) isconfigured to remain in a distal position within cartridge housing (462)upon completion of the firing stroke. Accordingly, as staple bar (360)and knife bar (370) retract proximally in response to the operatorreleasing the firing trigger (not shown) of surgical stapler (310),distal tab (386) of distal lockout lever (380) disengages the proximalend of staple driver member (486). Consequently, via bias imparted by abiasing member, distal lockout lever (380) automatically pivots relativeto closure bar (350) to assume a second angled lockout position, asshown in FIG. 22D. In the second angled lockout position, distal hook(384) of lockout lever) captures the distal ends of staple bar (360) andknife bar (370), thus inhibiting distal actuation of bars (360, 370)relative to closure bar (350) and preventing re-firing while endeffector (316) remains clamped with the now-spent staple cartridge unit(460). Similar to the benefit provided in end effector (16), thisfunctionality in end effector (316) protects against inadvertentre-actuation of a knife (not shown) of staple cartridge unit (460) in amanner that could cut through and compromise the established staple lineafter staples have been formed in the clamped tissue.

Upon closure bar (350), staple bar (360), and knife bar (370) beingretracted proximally and spent staple cartridge unit (460) being removedfrom end effector (316), distal lockout lever (380) is configured toautomatically reassume the first angled lockout position shown in FIGS.25 and 28A. In the present example, a distal end of lug (390) includes afirst ramped surface (394) and a confronting side of proximal hook (382)of distal lockout lever (380) includes a second ramp surface (396). Rampfeatures are configured to cam against one another to pivot lockoutlever (380) into the bypass position as bars (350, 360, 370) areretracted proximally, thus enabling distal lockout lever (380) toretract proximally with closure bar (350) and reassume the first angledlockout position until another fresh, unspent staple cartridge unit(460) is loaded into end effector (316).

III. Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

EXAMPLE 1

A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a body; (b) a shaft assemblyextending distally from the body; (c) an end effector at a distal end ofthe shaft assembly, wherein the end effector is actuatable between anopen state for receiving tissue and a closed state for clamping thetissue, wherein the end effector is configured to receive a staplecartridge having staples; (d) a closure system operatively coupled withthe end effector, wherein the closure system is operable to actuate theend effector from the open state to the closed state; (e) a firingsystem operatively coupled with the end effector, wherein the firingsystem is actuatable to fire the end effector and thereby staple and cutthe clamped tissue; and (f) a lockout member operatively coupled withthe closure system and the firing system, wherein the lockout member isconfigured to inhibit actuation of the closure system to prevent closureof the end effector when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from theend effector, wherein the lockout member is further configured toinhibit actuation of the firing system to prevent repeated firing of theend effector with the same staple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 2

The surgical stapler of Example 1, wherein the end effector isconfigured to clamp and staple tissue in a plane that extendstransversely to a longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly, wherein thesurgical stapler is configured for use in an open surgical procedure.

EXAMPLE 3

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein the endeffector includes a knife, wherein the lockout member is configured toprevent distal actuation of the knife following an initial firing of theend effector with the staple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 4

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein thelockout member is movable between a first position in which the lockoutmember is configured to inhibit actuation of the closure system and thefiring system when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the endeffector, and a second position in which the lockout member isconfigured to permit actuation of the closure system and the firingsystem.

EXAMPLE 5

The surgical stapler of any of Example 4, wherein the lockout member isresiliently biased toward the first position.

EXAMPLE 6

The surgical stapler of any Examples 4 through 5, wherein the lockoutmember is configured to transition from the first position to the secondposition in response to an unspent staple cartridge being received bythe end effector.

EXAMPLE 7

The surgical stapler of Example 6, where the staple cartridge includes astaple driver member configured to eject the staples from the staplecartridge in response to actuation of the firing system, wherein thelockout member includes a projection configured to be engaged by thestaple driver member when the unspent staple cartridge is first receivedby the end effector, wherein the engagement is configured to drive thelockout member from the first position to the second position.

EXAMPLE 8

The surgical stapler of any of Examples 6 through 7, wherein when theunspent staple cartridge is seated within the end effector, the lockoutmember is configured to translate distally with the closure system whilemaintaining the second position.

EXAMPLE 9

The surgical stapler of any of Examples 6 through 8, wherein the lockoutmember is configured to automatically return to the first position fromthe second position after the end effector is fired with the unspentstaple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 10

The surgical stapler of Examples 4 through 9, wherein the lockout membercomprises a lever configured to pivot between the first position and thesecond position.

EXAMPLE 11

The surgical stapler of Example 10, wherein the shaft assembly extendsalong a longitudinal axis, wherein the lever is configured to pivotabout a lateral axis that extends transversely to the longitudinal axis.

EXAMPLE 12

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein thelockout member is configured to translate distally with the closuresystem relative to the body as the closure system actuates the endeffector from the open state to the closed state.

EXAMPLE 13

The surgical stapler of any of Example 12, further comprising a stopmember that is fixed longitudinally relative to the body, wherein thelockout member is configured to engage the stop member to inhibit distalactuation of the closure system when an unspent staple cartridge isabsent from the end effector in the open state.

EXAMPLE 14

The surgical stapler of any of the preceding Examples, wherein thelockout member includes: (i) a first lockout feature operable to inhibitactuation of the closure system to prevent closure of the end effectorwhen an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the end effector, and(ii) a second lockout feature operable to inhibit actuation of thefiring system to prevent repeated firing of the end effector with thesame staple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 15

The surgical stapler of Example 14, wherein the first and second lockoutfeatures are spaced apart longitudinally along a longitudinal axis ofthe shaft assembly.

EXAMPLE 16

A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a body; (b) a shaft assemblyextending distally from the body; (c) an end effector at a distal end ofthe shaft assembly, wherein the end effector is actuatable between anopen state for receiving tissue and a closed state for clamping thetissue, wherein the end effector is configured to receive a staplecartridge having staples; (d) a closure system operatively coupled withthe end effector, wherein the closure system is operable to actuate theend effector from the open state to the closed state; (e) a firingsystem operatively coupled with the end effector, wherein the firingsystem is actuatable distally through a firing stroke to eject staplesfrom the staple cartridge into the clamped tissue; and (f) a lockoutmember operatively coupled with the closure system and the firingsystem, wherein the lockout member includes: (i) a first lockout featureoperable to inhibit actuation of the closure system when an unspentstaple cartridge is absent from the end effector, and (ii) a secondlockout feature operable to inhibit repeated actuation of the firingsystem through multiple firing strokes with the same staple cartridge.

EXAMPLE 17

The surgical stapler of Example 16, wherein the first and second lockoutfeatures are spaced apart along a length of the lockout member.

EXAMPLE 18

The surgical stapler of any of Examples 16 through 17, wherein the firstlockout feature comprises a first projection, wherein the second lockoutfeature comprises a second projection.

EXAMPLE 19

A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a body; (b) a shaft assemblyextending distally from the body; (c) an end effector at a distal end ofthe shaft assembly, wherein the end effector is actuatable between anopen state for receiving tissue and a closed state for clamping thetissue, wherein the end effector is configured to receive a staplecartridge having staples; (d) a closure system operatively coupled withthe end effector, wherein the closure system is operable to actuate theend effector from the open state to the closed state; (e) a firingsystem operatively coupled with the end effector, wherein the firingsystem is actuatable distally through a firing stroke to eject staplesfrom the staple cartridge into the clamped tissue; and (f) a lockoutlever operatively coupled with the closure system and the firing system,wherein the lockout lever is pivotable between a first position in whichthe lockout lever is configured to inhibit actuation of the closuresystem and the firing system, and a second position in which the lockoutlever is configured to permit actuation of the closure system and thefiring system.

EXAMPLE 20

The surgical stapler of Example 19, wherein the lockout lever isdisposed within the end effector.

IV. Miscellaneous

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

Further, any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments,examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more ofthe teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described inU.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref. END9086USNP1], entitled “Tissue CuttingWasher for Right Angle Surgical Stapler,” filed on even date herewith;U.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref. END9087USNP1], entitled “Clamping BasedLockout Mechanism for Right Angle Surgical Stapler,” filed on even dateherewith; and U.S. Pat. App. No. [Atty. Ref. END9090USNP1], entitled“Staple Retainer for Right Angle Surgical Stapler,” filed on even dateherewith, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference above.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Versions of the devices described above may have application inconventional medical treatments and procedures conducted by a medicalprofessional, as well as application in robotic-assisted medicaltreatments and procedures. By way of example only, various teachingsherein may be readily incorporated into a robotic surgical system suchas the DAVINCI™ system by Intuitive Surgical, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif.Similarly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatvarious teachings herein may be readily combined with various teachingsof any of the following: U.S. Pat. No. 5,792,135, entitled “ArticulatedSurgical Instrument For Performing Minimally Invasive Surgery WithEnhanced Dexterity and Sensitivity,” issued Aug. 11, 1998, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; U.S. Pat. No.8,783,541, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical End EffectorSystem,” issued Jul. 22, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporatedby reference herein; U.S. Pat. No. 8,479,969, entitled “Drive Interfacefor Operably Coupling a Manipulatable Surgical Tool to a Robot,” issuedJul. 9, 2013; U.S. Pat. No. 8,800,838, entitled “Robotically-ControlledCable-Based Surgical End Effectors,” issued Aug. 12, 2014, thedisclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein; and/or U.S.Pat. No. 8,573,465, entitled “Robotically-Controlled Surgical EndEffector System with Rotary Actuated Closure Systems,” issued Nov. 5,2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

Versions of the devices described above may be designed to be disposedof after a single use, or they can be designed to be used multipletimes. Versions may, in either or both cases, be reconditioned for reuseafter at least one use. Reconditioning may include any combination ofthe steps of disassembly of the device, followed by cleaning orreplacement of particular pieces, and subsequent reassembly. Inparticular, some versions of the device may be disassembled, and anynumber of the particular pieces or parts of the device may beselectively replaced or removed in any combination. Upon cleaning and/orreplacement of particular parts, some versions of the device may bereassembled for subsequent use either at a reconditioning facility, orby a user immediately prior to a procedure. Those skilled in the artwill appreciate that reconditioning of a device may utilize a variety oftechniques for disassembly, cleaning/replacement, and reassembly. Use ofsuch techniques, and the resulting reconditioned device, are all withinthe scope of the present application.

By way of example only, versions described herein may be sterilizedbefore and/or after a procedure. In one sterilization technique, thedevice is placed in a closed and sealed container, such as a plastic orTYVEK bag. The container and device may then be placed in a field ofradiation that can penetrate the container, such as gamma radiation,x-rays, or high-energy electrons. The radiation may kill bacteria on thedevice and in the container. The sterilized device may then be stored inthe sterile container for later use. A device may also be sterilizedusing any other technique known in the art, including but not limited tobeta or gamma radiation, ethylene oxide, or steam.

Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, embodiments, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

I/We claim:
 1. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a body; (b) a shaftassembly extending distally from the body; (c) an end effector at adistal end of the shaft assembly, wherein the end effector is actuatablebetween an open state for receiving tissue and a closed state forclamping the tissue, wherein the end effector is configured to receive astaple cartridge having staples; (d) a closure system operativelycoupled with the end effector, wherein the closure system is operable toactuate the end effector from the open state to the closed state; (e) afiring system operatively coupled with the end effector, wherein thefiring system is actuatable to fire the end effector and thereby stapleand cut the clamped tissue; and (f) a lockout member operatively coupledwith the closure system and the firing system, wherein the lockoutmember is configured to inhibit actuation of the closure system toprevent closure of the end effector when an unspent staple cartridge isabsent from the end effector, wherein the lockout member is furtherconfigured to inhibit actuation of the firing system to prevent repeatedfiring of the end effector with the same staple cartridge.
 2. Thesurgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the end effector is configured toclamp and staple tissue in a plane that extends transversely to alongitudinal axis of the shaft assembly, wherein the surgical stapler isconfigured for use in an open surgical procedure.
 3. The surgicalstapler of claim 1, wherein the end effector includes a knife, whereinthe lockout member is configured to prevent distal actuation of theknife following an initial firing of the end effector with the staplecartridge.
 4. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein the lockoutmember is movable between a first position in which the lockout memberis configured to inhibit actuation of the closure system and the firingsystem when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the end effector,and a second position in which the lockout member is configured topermit actuation of the closure system and the firing system.
 5. Thesurgical stapler of claim 4, wherein the lockout member is resilientlybiased toward the first position.
 6. The surgical stapler of claim 4,wherein the lockout member is configured to transition from the firstposition to the second position in response to an unspent staplecartridge being received by the end effector.
 7. The surgical stapler ofclaim 6, where the staple cartridge includes a staple driver memberconfigured to eject the staples from the staple cartridge in response toactuation of the firing system, wherein the lockout member includes aprojection configured to be engaged by the staple driver member when theunspent staple cartridge is first received by the end effector, whereinthe engagement is configured to drive the lockout member from the firstposition to the second position.
 8. The surgical stapler of claim 6,wherein when the unspent staple cartridge is seated within the endeffector, the lockout member is configured to translate distally withthe closure system while maintaining the second position.
 9. Thesurgical stapler of claim 6, wherein the lockout member is configured toautomatically return to the first position from the second positionafter the end effector is fired with the unspent staple cartridge. 10.The surgical stapler of claim 4, wherein the lockout member comprises alever configured to pivot between the first position and the secondposition.
 11. The surgical stapler of claim 10, wherein the shaftassembly extends along a longitudinal axis, wherein the lever isconfigured to pivot about a lateral axis that extends transversely tothe longitudinal axis.
 12. The surgical stapler of claim 1, wherein thelockout member is configured to translate distally with the closuresystem relative to the body as the closure system actuates the endeffector from the open state to the closed state.
 13. The surgicalstapler of claim 12, further comprising a stop member that is fixedlongitudinally relative to the body, wherein the lockout member isconfigured to engage the stop member to inhibit distal actuation of theclosure system when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the endeffector in the open state.
 14. The surgical stapler of claim 1, whereinthe lockout member includes: (i) a first lockout feature operable toinhibit actuation of the closure system to prevent closure of the endeffector when an unspent staple cartridge is absent from the endeffector, and (ii) a second lockout feature operable to inhibitactuation of the firing system to prevent repeated firing of the endeffector with the same staple cartridge.
 15. The surgical stapler ofclaim 14, wherein the first and second lockout features are spaced apartlongitudinally along a longitudinal axis of the shaft assembly.
 16. Asurgical stapler comprising: (a) a body; (b) a shaft assembly extendingdistally from the body; (c) an end effector at a distal end of the shaftassembly, wherein the end effector is actuatable between an open statefor receiving tissue and a closed state for clamping the tissue, whereinthe end effector is configured to receive a staple cartridge havingstaples; (d) a closure system operatively coupled with the end effector,wherein the closure system is operable to actuate the end effector fromthe open state to the closed state; (e) a firing system operativelycoupled with the end effector, wherein the firing system is actuatabledistally through a firing stroke to eject staples from the staplecartridge into the clamped tissue; and (f) a lockout member operativelycoupled with the closure system and the firing system, wherein thelockout member includes: (i) a first lockout feature operable to inhibitactuation of the closure system when an unspent staple cartridge isabsent from the end effector, and (ii) a second lockout feature operableto inhibit repeated actuation of the firing system through multiplefiring strokes with the same staple cartridge.
 17. The surgical staplerof claim 16, wherein the first and second lockout features are spacedapart along a length of the lockout member.
 18. The surgical stapler ofclaim 16, wherein the first lockout feature comprises a firstprojection, wherein the second lockout feature comprises a secondprojection.
 19. A surgical stapler comprising: (a) a body; (b) a shaftassembly extending distally from the body; (c) an end effector at adistal end of the shaft assembly, wherein the end effector is actuatablebetween an open state for receiving tissue and a closed state forclamping the tissue, wherein the end effector is configured to receive astaple cartridge having staples; (d) a closure system operativelycoupled with the end effector, wherein the closure system is operable toactuate the end effector from the open state to the closed state; (e) afiring system operatively coupled with the end effector, wherein thefiring system is actuatable distally through a firing stroke to ejectstaples from the staple cartridge into the clamped tissue; and (f) alockout lever operatively coupled with the closure system and the firingsystem, wherein the lockout lever is pivotable between a first positionin which the lockout lever is configured to inhibit actuation of theclosure system and the firing system, and a second position in which thelockout lever is configured to permit actuation of the closure systemand the firing system.
 20. The surgical stapler of claim 19, wherein thelockout lever is disposed within the end effector.